好词典

smattering

UK //ˈsmætərɪŋ//US //ˈsmætərɪŋ//

词源

源自中古英语'smateren'(喋喋不休),可能模仿零碎说话的声音,后引申为'零散少量'的含义。

noun

❶ 指对某事物仅有少量或肤浅的了解,通常指语言或知识领域。表示知道一点但不够深入,常用于描述非专业或业余水平。

“She has a smattering of French, enough to order food in a restaurant.”

(她懂一点法语,足够在餐厅点餐。)

“His smattering of physics made the lecture difficult to follow.”

(他对物理的粗浅了解让他难以跟上讲座内容。)

❶ 指少量分散的东西,可以是物体或声音等。强调数量少且不集中,常带有零散、稀疏的意味。

“A smattering of applause followed his speech.”

(他的演讲结束后只有零星的掌声。)

“There was a smattering of snow on the ground this morning.”

(今早地上有零星积雪。)

同义词:scattering, sprinkling, handful, modicum, superficial knowledge

常见短语

a smattering of — 表示少量的、零星的某事物,常用于描述知识、物品或现象等。强调数量不多且不系统。

“He has a smattering of German phrases he learned from his grandfather.”

(他会几句从祖父那里学来的德语短语。)